1. science
2. ecology
3. waste management
4. recycling

TW- booklet cover 3/25/03 8:43 AM Page 1
u
oxic
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Waste In Its P
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reduction and Disposal
in San Diego County.
e!
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A GUIDE FOR...
www.1800cleanup.org
1-800-CLEANUP / 1-800-253-2687
Brought to you by the
San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership.
This program benefits Storm Water management projects
throughout the region.
Funded by a Grant from the California
Integrated Waste Management Board.
Para más información sobre como deshacerse de los
desperdicios peligrosos del hogar favor
de llamar al 1(800) 253-2687.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Defining Household Hazardous Waste . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste . . . . . . 2-3
Protect Your Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Be Safe, Not Sorry …
Remember — Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Reduce Household Hazardous Waste at Home . . . . 5
Less Toxic Products and Their Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Alternatives – Reference Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Proper Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Less Toxic Yard and Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
E-Waste: Electronic Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Used Oil/Oil Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Put Toxic Waste
In Its Place!
Printed On 100%Recycled Paper, with 30% post consumer content.
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Put Toxic Waste In Its Place!
Introduction
Did you know that the average home contains 60 household hazardous
products that can harm you, your family, pets and the environment if
they are not used, stored or disposed of properly? Hazardous materials are
contained in many common household products such as cleaners, paint,
automotive products and pesticides. These products can harm trash
collection personnel, contribute to fire hazards, enter storm drains and
pollute creeks, rivers, lakes and beaches that include some of our most
cherished recreational locations. These water sources are also critical to
local water supplies and wildlife habitat.
Seventeen cities and the County of San Diego have come together to form
the San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership. This
guide contains a wide variety of information including identifying what
household hazardous waste is; safety when using these materials;
alternative products available to you; reducing your waste and much more.
Most importantly, this booklet provides residents with information about
how to reuse, recycle and properly dispose of household hazardous waste.
Residents can bring their household hazardous waste, free of charge or for
a small co-payment, to a nearby collection facility. There are a variety of
programs offered throughout the region. Visit www.1800CLEANUP.org or
call 1(800) CLEANUP / 1(800) 253-2687 for information about your
community’s household hazardous waste collection program.
The San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership is
striving to create a cleaner and safer environment. So… read on to learn
more about how to… Put Toxic Waste In Its Place!
Defining Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste is any material (gas, liquid or solid)
discarded from the home that may, due to its chemical nature, pose a
health threat to people, animals and the environment if handled or
disposed of improperly. You will know if a product is hazardous if it is
labeled with signal words. These include:
Toxic – poisonous or causes long-term illness
Flammable – burns easily
Corrosive – eats through materials (e.g., acid)
Reactive – can explode when exposed to heat, water, air or
strong impact
How dangerous is a hazardous product? Here are the signal words, please
note they are in order based on how hazardous the product is:
DANGER or POISON means extremely hazardous. The product could
poison you, cause serious damage to skin or eyes, or easily cause a fire.
WARNING or CAUTION means moderately hazardous.
NO SIGNAL WORD means least hazardous.
Hazardous product labels may also say: “harmful or fatal if swallowed,”
“keep out of reach of children,” “causes severe burns on contact,” “do not
use near heat or flame” or “use only in well ventilated area.” Avoid
household products marked DANGER or POISON. Take care when you use,
store or dispose of any hazardous product. Best of all, choose safer, lesstoxic and often cheaper products that do not need warnings.
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Examples of...
Household Hazardous Waste
The following are examples of household hazardous waste items
that may be found around your home.
For explosives or radioactive products, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Kitchen
Bleach
Bug sprays
Drain cleaners / openers
Floor care products
Furniture polish
Household cleaners
Metal polishes
Spot removers
Bathroom
Bathroom cleaners
Disinfectant
Expired medicine
Hair chemicals
Hair removers
Isopropyl alcohol
Mercury thermometers
Nail polish & remover
Automotive
Antifreeze
Auto batteries
Auto body repair products
Brake fluid
Car wax
Gas & Diesel fuel
Used motor oil / oil filters
Transmission fluid
Solvents
Windshield washer solution
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COMBUSTIBLE
IRRITANT
TOXIC
FLAMMABLE
y.
REACTIVE
CORROSIVE
POISON
Storage
Latex / water-based paint
Oil-based paint
Paint remover / thinner
Rust remover
Solvents
Turpentine
Varnish / stains
Wood preservatives
Kerosene
Yard / Garden
Fertilizers
Fungicides
Insecticides
Pesticides
Rat poison
Weed killer
Misc
Computer monitors
and televisions
Other electronic items
Dry cleaning solvents
Fluorescent lights
Glue / Adhesives / Epoxies
Gun cleaning solvents
Hobby chemicals
Household Batteries
Mothballs
Mercury thermostats
Photographic chemicals
Pool Chemicals
Shoe polish
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Protect Your Family!
How chemicals enter your body:
Ingestion
Drinking or swallowing harmful chemicals may lead to poisoning.
Contact the California Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 876-4766 as
soon as possible when toxic or hazardous materials are ingested.
Whenever possible, have the labeled container available for poison
control and medical staff.
Absorption
If chemicals get on your skin they may be absorbed into your body and
your blood stream. The effects can be as serious as ingestion.
Inhalation
Inhaling vapors or fumes through your mouth or nose may lead to
poisoning. Vapors pass directly through the lungs into the blood
stream. This is the quickest way that chemicals can affect your brain.
Eye/skin contact
This can cause blindness, irritation, burning and tissue damage.
The effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals may vary depending on
the type of chemical, the length and amount of exposure and on your
general health. Some of the more common immediate symptoms include:
headaches, dizziness, nausea, sweating, difficulty breathing and irritation
of the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term effects are more severe. Used
motor oil and some pesticides and solvents, for example, can increase your
risk of developing cancer. If you feel you may have been exposed to a
hazardous chemical or begin to experience unusual symptoms, call your
poison control center or doctor immediately.
Did you know that
1 out of 10 children
is injured at home
from household
chemicals?
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In the event of a spill or accident:
■ Keep children and pets out of the area.
■ Wear protective gloves and clothing, if required.
■ Extinguish any open flame or heat source.
■ Keep the area well ventilated.
■ Read the label for safety instructions.
■ Contain the spill and cover it with kitty litter, sand or soil. Use rags
for very small spills.
■ Sweep or scoop the materials up and put into a strong plastic bag.
Use double bags to be extra safe.
■ Scrub the area with water and be careful not to wash toxic materials
into storm drains or sewers.
■ Cleanup materials cannot be thrown in the trash. They too must be
taken to a household hazardous waste collection facility.
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Be Safe, Not Sorry
Remember—Safety First
Purchase:
■ Look for products that are less hazardous or nontoxic. This helps to
prevent household accidents such as fire or poisoning.
■ Read labels prior to purchase. Know what you are buying and what
special safety precautions need to be followed when using, storing
or disposing of the product.
■ Buy only the amount you need for your project. Share leftovers with
friends or neighbors.
■ Buy recycled products. Ask your retailers for recycled products
including paint, motor oil and antifreeze.
Use / Storage:
■ Children and expectant mothers should restrict or eliminate their
exposure to hazardous products.
■ Follow directions when using a hazardous household product.
■ Do not smoke, eat or drink when handling hazardous household products.
■ Never mix any hazardous household products. Mixing products can
produce dangerous reactions and make products unrecyclable.
■ Do not allow hazardous products to be washed into the gutter or
storm drain in front of your home or business. Storm drains lead
directly to creeks, lakes, rivers and the ocean without being treated.
■ Keep combustible and flammable products away from pilot lights.
■ Keep containers standing upright with lids on tight.
■ Make sure containers are not leaking.
■ Store hazardous household products in their original containers
with the label intact.
■ Keep material out of the reach of children and pets.
■ Store material in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat or cold.
■ Do not store corrosives, flammables, and poisons together. Separate
these containers.
Disposal:
■ Offer your quality leftover products to neighbors, community
groups, family and friends.
■ Transport containers to a household hazardous waste facility
or event in the trunk or back of vehicle away from passengers
and animals.
■ Do not transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds at any one time.
■ Products should not be transported in containers larger than
5 gallons.
■ Empty containers may be thrown in your trash or recycling bin.
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Reduce household hazardous
waste at home!
What can I do to reduce the amount of chemicals
and hazardous products in my home?
Reduce:
■ Use safer
substitutes or
alternatives to
toxic products
(see household
hazardous
waste
alternative
charts, pages
9-12).
■ Buy less
hazardous or
non-toxic
products.
■ Buy only as
much as you
need for your current project. If you have leftovers, you will be
responsible for their proper disposal.
■ Select water-based products over solvent-based products when
available (e.g. paint, glue, shoe polish).
■ Avoid aerosol sprays. Choose non-aerosol pump sprays or
other alternatives.
Reuse:
■ Buy only as much as you need for your current project. Ask a friend,
relative or neighbor if they can use your quality leftover.
■ Certain civic and community groups may accept leftover paint for
use at their facilities. Please call first.
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Less Toxic Products and
Their Uses
Ammonia:
Cleans carpets, copper, dishes, enamel, floors, formica, garbage cans, glass,
grout, jewelry, linoleum, ovens, porcelain, refrigerators, showers, stainless
steel, stoves, tubs, windows and painted woodwork. Removes stains. Do
not mix ammonia with bleach; it produces a toxic gas.
Baking soda:
Cleans and deodorizes carpets, counters, drains, refrigerators, upholstery,
and vinyl. Extinguishes grease fires. Freshens fabrics. Removes stains.
Scours and polishes aluminum, chrome, grout, jewelry, plastic, porcelain,
silver, stainless steel and tin. Softens fabrics.
Cornstarch:
Cleans windows.
Polishes furniture.
Removes stains.
Shampoos carpets
and rugs. Starches
clothes.
Lemon juice:
Deodorizes. Cleans
windows and other
glass. Removes
stains from
aluminum, clothes
and porcelain.
Soap and water:
Cleans cars, clothes, dishes, doors, floors, glass, jewelry, people, pets,
sporting goods, tools, walls, windows and woodwork.
Steel wool:
Removes rust, rust stains and stubborn film. Scours barbecue grills and
broiler pans.
Vinegar:
Cleans bricks, carpets, coffee pots, dishes, fireplaces, glass, grout,
paintbrushes, walls and windows. Polishes metal. Removes mildew,
spots, stains and wax buildup. Softens fabric. Removes paint.
Washing soda:
Cleans and cuts grease on barbecue grills, broiler pans, concrete, drains,
fireplaces, floors, ovens and walls. Improves detergent power. Removes
stains. Softens water.
Disclaimer: The San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership, the California Integrated Waste
Management Board and all participating jurisdictions, do not warrant and shall have no liability for information
provided in this booklet or from the San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership and the California
Integrated Waste Management Board. Each individual person, fabric or material may react differently to a particular
suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and
test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or
other health care provider.
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reference and Alternative Product Chart
PEST / GARDEN / YARD PRODUCTS
Product
Rodent bait
Alternative
• Remove food supply and close all entry points.
• Some cats and dogs are good at catching rodents.
• Use traps (remember humane traps are available.)
Ant pesticides
• Remove all sources of food and water. Locate entry point
and seal with caulk.
• Pour a line of tartar, red chili powder, paprika or dried
peppermint at point of entry.
• Kill visible ants with soapy water or vacuum. Baits or
traps are preferable over sprays.
Roach pesticides
• Remove all sources of food and water. Remove hiding
places such as old newspapers, garbage bags and
other clutter.
• Place bay leaves around cracks in room.
• Set out a dish of equal parts baking soda & powdered sugar.
• Carefully apply boric acid powder into cracks where
roaches hide (keep away from children and pets.)
Flea collars
& sprays
• Add small amounts of brewers yeast or vitamin B
in pet’s food.
• Use an herbal collar or ointment (eucalyptus or rosemary.)
• Place eucalyptus leaves near pet’s bed.
• Give your pet herbal baths.
• Wash pet bedding and treat with flea soap or citrus
oil product.
• Sprinkle carpet with borax, vacuum twice a week &
dispose of vacuum bags in the trash.
Plant insecticides
• Remove pests by hand.
• Spray affected leaves with strong stream of water.
• Mist or spray with soapy water.
Snail/slug killers
• Remove tall grass & debris from vicinity of garden.
• Overturn clay pots or lay board between rows of
planted vegetables.
• Remove pests by hand.
• Fill a shallow pan with stale beer and place in infested area.
Chemical fertilizers
• Use compost. Buy or make your own.
• Use natural soil enhancers such as greensand, bone
meal or fish meal.
Disposal Options:
Use the entire product. Empty containers may be thrown in regular trash
or recycled. Where possible, empty containers should be rinsed with water
prior to discarding in the trash. If possible, rinse the container in a sink or
indoors. If rinsed outdoors, rinse over a large bucket to collect the “dirty”
water. The “dirty” water must also be properly disposed of at your local
household hazardous waste collection facility. Never dump the dirty water
into a storm drain or on the ground.
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reference and Alternative Product Chart
PEST / GARDEN / YARD PRODUCTS CONTINUED
Product
Fungicides
Alternative
• Avoid over watering and keep garden growing area clean
and dry.
Herbicides and
weed killers
• Pull or hoe weeds regularly.
• Use mulch as ground cover.
• Keep grass short.
• Cover garden with opaque plastic to prevent weed
germination.
Read and look at
all product labels
before purchase.
PAINT PRODUCTS
Product
Enamel or
oil based paint
Alternative
• Use latex or water-based paint.
Latex or water
based paint
• Use limestone-based whitewash.
• Use casein-based paint, which is an opaque watercolor in
which “casein” or milk glue, is its binder.
Furniture and
paint strippers
• Rub with sandpaper or use a power sander.
• Use a heat gun.
• Scrub surface with steel wool or an emery cloth.
Stains and varnishes
• Look for water-based stains or natural earth-pigment
finishes.
Thinners, solvents,
turpentine
• Hold used solvent or turpentine in a tightly closed jar until
paint settles out. Pour off clear solvent and reuse.
• Latex and water-based paint does not require thinners.
Wood preservatives
• Avoid products containing pentachlorophenol.
• Use water-based wood preservatives.
• Minimize wood contact with soil or high moisture.
Solvent based glue
• Use non-toxic glues.
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reference and Alternative Product Chart
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
Product
Abrasive cleaners
and scouring
powders
Alternative
• Use baking soda or borax.
• Use 1⁄ 2 lemon dipped in borax rinse.
• Scrub with toothpaste for light stains.
*Ammonia-based
cleaners
• Use white vinegar diluted in water.
• Scrub with baking soda.
*Bleach-based
cleaners and
chlorine bleach
• Use either baking soda or borax.
Disinfectant cleaners
• Use white vinegar diluted in water.
• Mix one teaspoon of essential oil (lavender, clove or tea
tree oil) to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
Drain openers or
drain cleaners
• Avoid putting grease in the drain.
• Use a plunger or “snake”. Follow with boiling water.
• Unclogged drains only: 1 cup baking soda followed by
1
⁄ 2 cup vinegar. Follow with a kettle of boiling water.
Toilet bowl cleaners
• Mix 1⁄ 2 cup vinegar with 1⁄ 2 cup baking soda. Let stand for
a few minutes, and then apply to toilet bowl with a brush.
• Soak for 2 hours in apple cider vinegar (drain toilet before
adding vinegar.) After soaking, gently rub off any
remaining residue.
Glass and
window cleaners
• Mix 1 quart warm water with 1⁄ 4 cup vinegar, add a splash
of lemon juice. Apply to glass. Rub dry with newspaper.
Oven cleaners
• Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the oven, spray with
water. Wipe down. Wipe 2nd time to remove any residue.
• Clean your oven as you use it. Use oven liners to catch drips.
• When purchasing a new oven, consider buying one that is
self-cleaning.
Rug and upholstery
cleaners
• Sprinkle baking soda on rug and vacuum.
• Mix 1 part borax with 2 parts cornmeal. Sprinkle on
liberally. Vacuum after 1 hour.
Pet Odor Remover
• Rinse the area with water. Soak up as much pet urine as
possible. Place baking soda on area to absorb. Rinse the
"accident zone" thoroughly with clean, cool water. After
rinsing, remove as much of the water as possible by
blotting or by using a "wet-vac," "shop-vac" or "extractor."
• Make the "accident zone" unattractive, the appropriate
"bathroom" area attractive, and teach your pet where you
want him to eliminate instead. Contact your local humane
society for suggestions in positive reinforcement and
housetraining techniques.
* Never mix a product containing chlorine bleach with anything containing ammonia.
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reference and Alternative Product Chart
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONTINUED
Product
Spot remover
Alternative
• (Spot check first) Sprinkle baking soda on stain, spray
with vinegar. Apply pressure with clean absorbent cloth.
Repeat as needed.
Furniture polish
• Mix mineral oil or vegetable oil with small amount of
lemon juice or white vinegar to polish.
Floor cleaner
• Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 gallons of warm water.
Mothballs
• Place cedar wood chips in dresser drawers or place cedar
planks in the back of your closet.
• Place dried lavender flowers in your dresser drawers.
Silver and copper
polishes
• Soak silver in 1 quart of warm water with 1 tsp. baking soda
and 1 tsp. salt mixture and a small piece of aluminum foil.
• Pour vinegar and salt over copper and rub.
• Mix lemon juice with salt. Scrub and rinse.
Aerosol spray can
products (including hair
• Buy non-toxic products with non-aerosol propellants.
• Use the product so the container is completely empty,
with no propellant or product remaining. Recycle the
empty container in your curbside recycling program.
spray, deodorants, etc.)
Air fresheners
• Prepare an herbal sachet.
• Stud an orange with cloves and set in dish.
• Simmer cinnamon and cloves.
• Use scented candles.
• Place open baking soda boxes where needed.
• Set out hot vinegar in an open dish.
• Ventilate with outside air.
Laundry Whitener
• Add 1⁄ 2 cup borax to each load.
AUTOMOBILE PRODUCTS
Product
Gasoline/diesel fuel
Alternative
• No known alternative; however when purchasing your
next car, look for either natural gas, hybrid vehicles,
biodiesel, hydrogen fuel cells or electric cars. Consider
using public transportation or ride sharing. Reduce or
eliminate idling to improve air quality.
Transmission fluid
• No known alternative, but recyclable.
Motor oil
• No known alternative, but recyclable.
• Ask your retailer for re-refined motor oil.
Antifreeze
• Use products containing propylene glycol instead of
ethylene glycol.
Auto batteries
• No known alternative, but recyclable.
Engine cleaners
and degreasers
• No known alternative, however regular maintenance
and preventing or eliminating lead can produce great
environmental benefits.
• Ask your mechanic about steam cleaning.
Car Wash
• Bring your vehicle to a car wash. Car washes are required
to catch the detergents, lead, copper, asbestos, oils and
dirt that are washed off your car and dispose of it
properly. Most also recycle the water they use.
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Dispose of Household Hazardous
Waste Properly:
■ Properly and legally dispose of your household hazardous waste by
bringing it to a collection facility or event. For information, visit
www.1800CLEANUP.org or call 1(800) CLEANUP / 1(800) 253-2687.
Vehicle loads are legally limited to 15 gallons or 125 pounds.
■ Recycle used motor oil, oil filters, auto batteries and antifreeze at
collection centers such as gas/service stations or auto parts stores.
What happens when household hazardous waste is
not disposed of properly?
■ When household hazardous waste is illegally dumped into gutters,
sewers, storm drains or the ground, it contaminates nearby lakes,
streams and the ocean. This is all part of our watershed and
provides recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and drinking
water… all of which is so important to our region and quality of life.
■ When mixed with the regular trash, household hazardous waste can
harm trash collection personnel or spill onto the ground,
endangering children and animals. These products eventually end
up in our storm drains and in our waterways.
■ When flushed down a toilet, sink or drain, household hazardous
waste goes through the sewage system to water treatment plants. At
water treatment plants, hazardous waste interferes with the
biological treatment process by killing helpful bacteria and can
contaminate the treated water, which runs into the ocean.
Additionally, like other communities throughout Southern
California, our communities are looking to reclaim water from these
sources for irrigation and other important water uses.
What Happens to the Household
Hazardous Waste that is Collected?
■ Latex/water-based paint can be
recycled and reused.
■ Oil-based paint is reused as
supplemental fuel in the
manufacture of cement.
■ Motor oil is recycled as re-refined
motor oil, lubricants, marine diesel
fuel, supplemental fuel and tar byproducts such as asphalt cover.
■ Household hazardous waste that
cannot be recycled or reused is
lab packed into special drums for
disposal at specially designed
landfills or incineration facilities.
■ Electronic components are
disassembled and are either
recycled or processed according
to state and federal specifications.
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Paint
The majority of household hazardous waste collected in San Diego County
consists of paint and paint-related products. Chances are
residents may currently have some paint which is leftover
from an old job. A beautiful paint job and helping our
environment can be accomplished just by knowing a few
important facts about buying and disposing of paint.
Buy Smart
■ Look for low Volitale Organic Componds (VOC)
which are less harmful to air quality.
■ Household paints fall into two categories: latex
(water-based) and oil-based. Latex products
can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
Oil-based products require cleaning products such as paint
thinner. Whenever possible, buy latex products.
■ Avoid using spray paint. Aerosols contain chemicals which are
flammable under pressure.
■ Determine the amount of paint needed and use all that is purchased.
Ask the retailer for assistance.
Put Your Leftover Paint to Use
■ Return unopened cans. Many retailers will give a refund.
■ Use leftover paint as a sealant or undercoat on another project.
■ Be a good neighbor! Donate unopened cans to a community group
or other local organization. Remember to call first. Ask family and
friends if they could use the paint.
Proper Disposal
■ Whether you are using latex, oil-based or paint from an aerosol can,
any remaining liquid paint must be disposed of properly. These
items cannot be thrown in the trash or poured down a storm drain.
■ Empty and dried paint cans may be disposed of in your regular
trash or recycling bin.
E-Waste: Electronic Waste
Electronic Waste (E-Waste) includes a growing range of electronic devices
from cellular phones to computer monitors and televisions. Many electronic
devices contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that can
harm human and environmental health. There are an increasing number of
safe and legal options for both disposal and recycling of E-waste.
Computer Monitors and Televisions
Computer monitors and televisions are of
particular concern. Computer monitors,
televisions, and even video cameras may have
a cathode ray tube (CRT) or “picture tube”.
CRT’s are banned from landfills because each
one contains an average of 4 to 8 pounds of
lead. Although there are no health hazards
associated with handling intact, unbroken
CRT’s, it is important to keep them out of
our landfills where they can potentially
contaminate soil and groundwater.
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Less-Toxic Yard & Garden Care
Maintaining a healthy lawn and garden is a high priority and a source of
great pride for many residents. However, overuse and misuse of chemicals
in yard care is common and can be harmful to your family’s health and the
environment. Pesticides and fertilizers can be especially harmful to
children, pets, birds, fish and beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.
Pesticides tracked into the house lodge in carpet and pose a special risk
to toddlers who play on the floor and put their fingers in their mouth.
In Your Yard & Garden
The most effective pest control starts with prevention. Building healthy soil
with compost grows healthier plants. Selecting appropriate plants, watering
efficiently and using mulches contributes to an environmentally sensitive
garden. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of pesticide.
■ Select native or pest-resistant plants that are suited to the soil and
climate. Healthy plants resist harmful insects and weeds.
■ Monitor pest populations. Learn how to identify the useful insects
that eat other pests, aerate the soil and benefit the garden.
■ Look for less-toxic solutions, such as beneficial insects which
reduce or eliminate the need for pesticides.
■ Utilize nontoxic control methods when pests first
become a problem: for example, handpicking, a
strong water jet, barriers and traps. Grow plants
such as marigolds and “society” garlic to help
repel harmful insects.
■
Use the least toxic chemicals available when
all other methods fail and confine the
treatment to affected areas only.
■
Attend local workshops on less-toxic pest
control and home composting.
■
Do not over water the garden. Over
watering can transport excess pesticides
and fertilizers into the storm drains.
Put Electronic Waste in Its Place!
Safe, proper and legal disposal of E-waste is important.
■ Explore reuse options. Consider repairing or selling your working
monitors or televisions. If you donate to a community group,
please call first.
■ Gather obsolete or non-working electronics and make use of
your local recycling or disposal options. Fees may apply.
■ For information about electronic waste disposal options, visit
www.1800CLEANUP.org or call 1(800) CLEANUP / 1(800) 253-2687.
Shop Smart
The next time you purchase electronics, look ahead to tomorrow. Purchase
items that will fit your needs well into the future. Research product
manufacturers to find out if they have take-back or recycling programs.
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Recycle Used Motor Oil
and Oil Filters
Only clean, uncontaminated used motor oil can be recycled. Never mix
your used oil with antifreeze or any other automotive fluid. Drain used oil
into a clean container with a tight fitting cap. Many communities offer free
used oil collection containers.
Oil Filters
A single oil filter can hold anywhere from a pint to a quart of residual oil. If
thrown in the trash or dumped in a neighborhood, that filter can leak
residual oil into our environment, contaminating our storm drains, creeks,
lagoons and the beach. Each filter contains approximately 1lb. of steel,
which can also be recycled into all sorts of new items including cars,
appliances and rebar for construction.
Where can I take used motor oil and
oil filters for recycling?
State Certified Oil Collection Centers
Bring clean, uncontaminated used motor oil to an
oil-collection center such as an automotive service
center or auto parts store. Oil collection centers are
located throughout the region. Certified centers will
not accept used motor oil brought in containers
larger than 5 gallons. However, they may accept up
to 20 gallons of used motor oil per individual per
day. Many certified centers collect oil filters too;
however, some do not. For information on the oil
collection centers near you, details regarding the quantities they accept,
whether they accept oil filters, location and hours of operation, please visit
www.1800cleanup.org or call 1(800) CLEANUP / 1(800) 253-2687.
Curbside Used Oil Collection
Some communities provide curbside used motor oil collection services.
Check with your local City or County to see if this service is available
in your area.
Household Hazardous Waste Facility or Event
You can also recycle used motor oil and oil filters by bringing it to a
household hazardous waste collection facility or event.
How Can I Keep Used Motor Oil Clean?
■ When changing your oil, pour the used oil into a clean, empty,
plastic container with a tight lid.
■ Do not mix the used motor oil with other substances such
as gasoline, paint removers or other contaminants.
■ Contaminated motor oil cannot be recycled and
must be brought to a household hazardous waste
collection facility or event for processing.
Auto Batteries And Antifreeze
■ Many service stations and auto parts stores
accept used auto batteries and antifreeze.
Many actually pay for waste auto batteries.
Some service stations and auto parts stores
may charge a fee for taking automotive waste.
For more information, call the service station
or auto parts store near you.
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Important Telephone
Numbers
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Remember …
Your Household Hazardous
Waste Disposal Options:
■ Earth 911 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Visit www.1800cleanup.org
or call 1(800) CLEANUP / 1(800) 253-2687
Illegal Dumping:
■ Hazardous Materials Management: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(619) 338-2284
I Love a Clean San Diego Recycling Hotline: . . . . . . . . . . . . .1(800) 237-2583
Composting / Gardening
■ Composting and Less Toxic Yard & Garden
Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(760) 436-7986
■ Master Gardener Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 694-2860
Emergency Information
■ Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .911
■ California Poison Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1(800) 876-4766
Storm Water Violation Complaints: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 846-0800
California Integrated
Waste Management Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov
or call (916) 341-6000
Explosives or Radioactive Products:
Contact your local law enforcement agency.
Books
■ Rodale Book of Composting - Rodale Press.
■ The Worm Book by Loren Nancarrow and Janet Hogan Taylor.
■ Dead Snails Leave No Trails by Loren Nancarrow and
Janet Hogan Taylor.
■ Clean and Green: The complete guide to non-toxic and
environmentally safe house cleaning by Annie Berthold-Bond.
For details about your community’s program, please call:
Carlsbad . . . . . . . . . . . .(760) 602-2794
La Mesa . . . .(619) 287-5696 ext. 4270
Chula Vista . . . . . . . . . .(619) 691-5122
Lemon Grove . . . . . . . .(800) 449-7587
Coronado . . . . . . . . . . .(619) 522-7380
National City . . . . . . . .(800) 237-2583
County of San Diego Unincorporated . . . . .(877) 713-2784
Oceanside . . . . . . . . . .(760) 439-2824
Del Mar . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 714-1195
El Cajon . . . . . . . . . . . .(619) 596-5100
Encinitas . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 714-1195
Poway . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 679-5410
San Diego . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 694-7000
San Marcos . . . . . . . . .(760) 744-1050
Escondido . . . . . . . . . .(760) 839-4818
Santee . . . . . .(619) 258-4100 ext. 128
Solana
Beach . . . .(858) 720-2400 ext. 2515
Imperial Beach . . . . . .(619) 423-8311
Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 714-1195
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u
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Waste In Its P
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Household Hazardous Waste
Reduction and Disposal
in San Diego County.
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A GUIDE FOR...
www.1800cleanup.org
1-800-CLEANUP / 1-800-253-2687
Brought to you by the
San Diego Regional Household Hazardous Waste Partnership.
This program benefits Storm Water management projects
throughout the region.
Funded by a Grant from the California
Integrated Waste Management Board.
Para más información sobre como deshacerse de los
desperdicios peligrosos del hogar favor
de llamar al 1(800) 253-2687.